Morocco s Noussair Mazraoui (L) kicks the ball away from South Africa s Percy Tau (R) during the second leg of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CHAN) Group K qualifier match between South Africa and Morocco at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on June 17, 2023. AFP
The 29-year-old winger, who is enjoying a superb season with Ahly, opened the scoring for South Africa in the 31st minute thanks to a mistake from Morocco's goalkeeper Munir Muhamedi.
"Percy Tau was not able in the past to produce those performances because he was not ready. He went from one injury to another, he didn't play." Broos told the post-match press conference on Saturday.
The Belgian coach added that Tau's regular place in Ahly's starting lineup has helped him find his rhythm.
"How can you be good if you can't find the rhythm of the game, and you see now he has become a standout player at Ahly," Broos said.
Broos also praised Tau's importance to the South African team, saying, "He is an important player for us, and again he was important today, and I am very happy."
Tau joined Ahly in the summer transfer window of the 2021 season, after playing for Belgian teams Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Union SG.
His first season was plagued by injuries but he has been instrumental in Ahly's triumphant Champions League campaign this season and on ther verge of claiming his first Egyptian Pro League title.
He has made 64 appearances for Ahly, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists.
Despite Saturday’s result, South Africa and Morocco reached the AFCON 2023 finals as Bafana Bafana lead Group K of the qualifiers and Morocco came second.
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